Product DevelopmentITAC 2017-18 Investments

Casey Vanden Heuvel, Director, Business Dev’t & Partnerships

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

THE CHALLENGE

Barriers to Growth2015 National Aboriginal Tourism Research Project determined:

Lack of organization & coordinated Aboriginal tourism approaches; Lack of market-readiness & Aboriginal cultural tourism product; Deficiency of a qualified workforce; Infrastructure challenges; Lack of community support is prominent; Limited access to business capital and support.

International Aboriginal Tourism Conference • 2016 conference sold-out (Membertou, Nova Scotia) • 2017 in Calgary Alberta (Tsuut’ina Nation) • 450+ participants, Marketplace sold-out • Off-site Cultural Tours and Awards Gala • Pre-conference Alberta Development Day

Venue – Grey Eagle Resort

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

• Annual program, next application window summer/fall of 2018

• Maximum grant = $10,000/business

• In 2017, 110 applicants from across Canada

• Funding requests total = $1.01 million

Small-Grant Product Development Program

Maximum grant = $10,000/

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Small-Grant Product Development Program

Successful applicants in 2016 included: • improvements to business websites • marketing assets and materials • training front-line staff • cultural knowledge and education • industry-specific technical training • permitting and licensing support • funding small capital projects

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Small-Grant Product Development Program

Wikwemikong Tourism, Wikwemikong First Nation, Ontario

New Tradeshow

Booth

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Small-Grant Product Development Program

Shakat Tun Wilderness Camp, Kluane Lake, Yukon

New Website

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Small-Grant Product Development Program

Painted Warriors, Mountain View County, AB

Kitchen Installation

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Small-Grant Product Development ProgramQuaaout Lodge, Chase, BC

Traditional tools to assist with dug-out canoe project

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

2017/18 Grant Selection

Arctic Bay Adventures – Arctic Bay, Nunavut

• Arctic Bay Adventures provides opportunities for you to visit one of the most unique polar tourism destinations in the world.

• Hire all Inuit staff for an authentic experience and cultural delivery.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

2017/18 Grant Selection

Arctic Bay Adventures – Arctic Bay, Nunavut

Grant Application – Support to improve safety protocols: • Staff safety training • Customer service training • Development of a Code of Conduct for Guests & Guides

ITAC – QAT Partnership in Quebec

! 27 applications from Quebec (24%)

! Applications totaling $200,000+

! ITAC investing $25,000 to Quebec applicants

! QAT also investing $28,000

2017/18 Grant Selection

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

ITAC – QAT Partnership in Quebec – Selections:

2017/18 Grant Selection

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

Business Project

Hébergement aux Cinq SensLodging / adding a building to welcome groups

Kahnawake Tourism, Tewatohnhi'saktha

Create packages and group rates for tour operators

Tourisme Wendake Upgrade their marketing tools, translation

Musée ShaputuanTrain 2 new employees, maintenance on 4 interactive interpretation stations.

Conseil des Anicinapek de Kitcisakik

New marketing tools to better promote their offer to target audience

Société de développement économique ilnu de Mashteuiatsh

Community tourism directional and promotional signage

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

2017/18 Grant Selection

Hébergement aux Cinq Sens – Piopolis, Quebec

Grant ApplicationLodging:

• Reception area

• Building for welcoming guests

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

2017/18 Grant Selection

Kahnawà:ke Tourism – Kahnawà:ke, Quebec

Grant Application Marketing: • Create packages and itineraries • Establish pricing • Promote packages with travel trade

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IndigenousTourism.ca

Director, Development & Partnerships

Casey Vanden Heuvel